How to Winterize a Small Engine

Winterizing your small engine is a necessary step that you must take during the cold season to keep your engine running correctly during the warmer months. Winterizing the engine stops the fluids from freezing or going bad while it sits for long periods of time. You don't have to pay someone to do this for you. You can do this at your home on your own time. Not many tools will be needed to accomplish this job correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet set
• Oil pan
• Oil flush kit
• Fuel stabilizer

Instructions

1. Clean the outside of the engine completely with a cleaning agent recommended by the manufacturer in the owner's manual.

2. Remove the oil pan drain nut with the ratchet set and drain into the oil pan.

3. Flush the oil compartment and pan with the oil pan flush kit.

4. Fill the gas tank completely with gas. Pour fuel stabilizer into the gas tank. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the fuel before storing for the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Not properly winterizing your engine may result in serious damage to your engine.

References

• "Small Engine Care and Repair: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maintaining your Small Engine;" Briggs and Stratton; 2003
• "Small Engines;" R. Bruce Radcliff; 2009